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A Realistic Look at the “Maximizing Social Security” Incentive
In a post on tucson.com, nationally syndicated former SSA analyst Tom Margenau takes a look at the popular notion that there exists a secret way of getting the highest possible payout from their earned Social Security benefit. As he points out, the “secret”…
COVID-19 and Your Decision to Claim Social Security Benefits
Those who have been weighing their options for Social Security benefits know that filing early (i.e. before their full retirement age – FRA) will result in a reduction from their FRA benefit. Likewise, they know that deferring their filing beyond…
“No Brainers” for Improving Financial Security in Retirement
The Motley Fool’s Christy Bieber, in a post on nasdaq.com, outlines five basic missteps that are likely to derail your plans for a comfortable financial position in your retirement years. They’re really nothing new, in fact their pretty basic, but still many…
Looking Ahead to 2021 COLA (Or, Lack Thereof)
Nobody really knows what will happen when the CPI-W numbers for the third quarter of 2020 are compared to 2019’s third quarter, but there is mounting speculation that there will likely be a year-over-year decline in living costs (at least…
During the Pandemic: The Ugly Side of Humanity
We’ve all seen the heartwarming stories about the beautiful side of humanity during this crisis – the singing from balconies, providing food and supplies for shut-ins and those in quarantine, landlords forgiving rent, creditors granting grace periods, and even socially-distanced…
Special Social Security Q&A Site for Coronavirus
All Social Security field offices are now closed for in-person services until further notice, essentially until the coronavirus pandemic is over. While that is fully understandable and prudent to avoid spreading the deadly virus, there are nevertheless about 64 million…
During the crisis, “Telehealth” Services Now Covered by Medicare
“Telehealth” refers to healthcare services which are delivered to patients using electronic means, such as via telephone, text, email and, electronic “chat.” And especially during these difficult times, avoiding direct in-person interaction at doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals is highly desirable and important…
Have You Been Offered Early Retirement?
In this timely piece by Rachel Hartman appearing at U.S. News and World Report, the author discusses that some employers may be offering early retirement packages during the current economic crisis, and offers advice on how you should react if…
Enrolling in Medicare During the Coronavirus Crisis
In the midst of the clamor over how stimulus payments will be received, and with all Social Security field offices closed to public access and staffed at reduced levels, one thing that remains unclear is how to enroll in Medicare…
Medicare Expands Services Due to Coronavirus
In an historic move to combat the so-called coronavirus, the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced sweeping Medicare changes to improve the flexibility of the program to handle the COVID-19 outbreak. Expanded services include coverage for in-home testing and community-base…